Archives for February 2016

I know I know, we are a tad bit ahead of the game as far as Easter crafts! We know that Easter is still weeks out, but we are surely enjoying all of the arts and crafts we did this weekend!
We, being my toddler son and I.

1 “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.”

-Isaiah 60:1-2

It has been one week since my city was attacked. One week since 6 innocent people lost their lives and two more remain in critical condition fighting for their lives.

It’s been a week, and I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the events that transpired. I don’t think that myself, or anyone for that matter, will get the closure they’re seeking. Even if the suspect gives us a reason- a motive, I don’t feel that any motive is a good reason to commit such heinous acts.

The above scripture was shared this evening in Church as we remembered those that were killed and all of those impacted by the events in some capacity from last weekend. Pastor Lee brought up some valid points. He mentioned that instead of living in fear and letting the darkness set in because of the violence that took place in Kalamazoo, we must be the light and the hope that the people of Kalamazoo want and need.

Radiant Church’s Mission Statement: “We exist to lead people to become radiant disciples of Jesus Christ”

I love my Church. I love Pastor Lee, and I love Jesus Christ. I am a believer, and I know that Jesus has better plans for those who were taken too soon. I know that I can and I will bring light into the darkness. I will pray for the families and pray for peace, hope, love and unity for Kalamazoo and the residents that reside within it.

As a community, I am amazed at how much Kalamazoo has come together even in darkness. I should clarify that my surprise is not that I thought Kalamazoo wouldn’t come together, but more with the extent of how much the community has really truly united in support of all those impacted. We see violence all the time happening in other areas of the World, but when it hits in your own backyard, you’re shocked, almost paralyzed in fear. Kalamazoo has proved to me the many reasons why I live here and choose to raise my son here.

The community has united to end the violence. The community has united to support the victims and their families. People have put aside their differences and stood side by side showing their support for all the victims, the families of the victims and for everyone else in the community.

#KalamazooStrong and #Kalamazoo is trending on every social media platform. Last weekend Kalamazoo was trending for all of the wrong reasons, but a week later, it’s trending for all the right reasons.

There have been GoFundMe accounts created to help the victims and their families. There have been vigils and public prayer gatherings held throughout Kalamazoo almost every day since the shootings. Everyone is doing their part in helping the community heal. It’s so inspiring.

One of the most important takeaways I have gathered from this tragedy is that…

“Light always overcomes darkness.”

Here are some of the many things the community is doing to replace the darkness with light and hope.

There is no doubt that my husband is an attractive man. I would argue that some men are envious of his charming demeanor, his confidence and physique. Some of my friends have even commented on his looks. I’ve also noticed how much of a chick-magnet he has become since having our son. Women gawk at him when he holds our son’s hand or interacts with him when we are out and about. It’s no secret that women, of all ages, appreciate a hot dad!

I’m sure he knows how good-looking he is, but he never boasts or mentions it. I’m sure he gets hit on all the time (though he tells me doesn’t), but that’s out of my control, so there is no reason to be salty about it.

In fact, I wholeheartedly trust him. I trust his decisions. I believe him when he tells me something, and I feel as though he is always honest with me. Furthermore, I haven’t had a reason to NOT trust him in the nearly 8 years of being with him.

Here are just a few of the reasons why my husband would never cheat on me:

It was a beautiful February day here in Michigan today. Nothing but sunny skies and temps reaching the mid-40s, so that got me motivated to start some Easter crafts today with my son! Thank you, Pinterest, for the inspiration.

Here what you will need:

a few small potatoes

a knife to cut out some designs into the potatoes

a few paint colors

craft paint paper

lots of paper towel!–important if you have a messy toddler like I do!

Directions:

grab the small potatoes and cut them in half (adults only, obviously)

cut some designs into the potatoes

select your desired colors and paint the potatoes

press the potatoes firmly onto the craft paper

pull the potatoes straight up to reveal your egg!

Ta-da!

This craft was super easy, and my son enjoyed painting the eggs and then smashing them onto the paper. Keep in mind he is nearly two, so his craftiness is a work in progress! Start ’em young, right?!

Are you working a job that you just don’t enjoy? Do you feel like you’re going to work just to collect a paycheck and feel as though you aren’t making a real difference? Do you have dreams for yourself that you have yet to accomplish, but you’re too scared to go after them? Maybe you don’t have the time or energy to pursue them?

Quit your job. Follow that passion. Chase that dream.

While I wholeheartedly advocate chasing your dreams, there are a few things you need to do before up and quitting your job:

Set up an emergency fund of a minimum of 3-6 months to cover your expenses

Look at your dream objectively and determine how that dream will turn into income

Develop a business plan and outline your business goals, mission and value statements. Also, explore who your ideal customers would be.

Create a back-up plan

Network, network, network

Anything else we forgot?

If you’ve accomplished these items, you’re ready to quit your job in order to focus on your dreams. In all actuality the reason most people don’t chase their dreams, is they don’t have the time or money to do so. That’s why it’s important to save money for an emergency fund and get the time you need to get your businesses or dream up and running.

You’ll be in control of your life: Right now you’re helping others achieve their dreams, not yours. It’s a liberating experience when you have to report only to yourself and you have the freedom to do what you’re passionate about.

Sense of fulfillment: Fulfillment can be achieved when you are able to follow whatever it is that your passionate about. You start seeing the results of your hard work, you’ll see a return on your investment and you’re able to change the world the best way that you know how. Those are all very satisfying and fulfilling feelings for those who finally chase their dreams!

You’ll no longer ask yourself, “What if?”: You’ll have no regrets at the end of the day, because you took that giant leap. You quit your job and followed your passion. You’re living with the consequences and the accomplishments of chasing your dream. Years from now you’ll be happy that you chased your dreams because there are others who regret not chasing theirs. Don’t be one of them.

Success comes with hard work: You won’t be successful overnight, but some day you will be. Success is waking up each and every day happy that you’re doing what you love to do and being with others who inspire you and motivate you to be the best that you can be.

Personal Development: Now that you are your own boss, your destiny lies completely in your own hands. You’re responsible for your outcome. You’re going to be much more on-hands and involved while doing the activities that are related to your dream job. You’re going to learn a lot about your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll hear no, and you’ll make mistakes, but the great part of it all is that you’re developing personally and growing through those experiences. Embrace them. Don’t give up.

Start now, stop wasting time: If you’re motivated and ready to do what you love for a living, then stop wasting time helping others achieve their dreams. Stop wasting energy working so hard for others, when you could be using that energy to follow your dreams and do whatever it is that you want to do.

You’ll learn to be creative and innovative: Following your dreams can be expensive, but if you do your research and get creative in your thinking, there are ways to chase those dreams and accomplish them without draining your bank account.

Empowerment: There is nothing more rewarding then quitting your job and running your own business or publishing a book you’ve been working on for years. Empowerment involves creating your own reality based on what you have inside you. Your drive to be successful, your creativity, your passion to do what it is you love to do and not being scared to fail and make mistakes. Taking control of your own life is immensely empowering.

When you quit your job and pursue your true passion without distractions, you will meet new people, explore new places and change you life for good. You have the ability to be successful, but it comes with hard work, perseverance, time and energy!

Sunday morning I awoke to tragic news here in my hometown of Kalamazoo. I may not have been born here in Michigan, but Kalamazoo is my home.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NLT).

The night prior, a senseless act occurred and 6 people lost their lives. A 14 year old is currently fighting for her life. A man, known to his neighbors and friends as nice with no criminal background, went on a shooting spree.
My heart still aches this morning. Listing to B-93.7 on my way into work, the music was perfect to match the daunting mood. I had tears in my eyes on my drive in.
How could a senseless act like this occur? Why did it happen? What was the motive behind it? Though I understand that we may never know the rhyme or reason behind the violence that transpired, it’s a reminder to hold onto the ones you love a bit more tighter than the day prior.

Yesterday, I took my heavy heart to Saugatuck as an escape. An escape from the tragedy that hung heavy on my heart. I brought along my bubbly little boy and my sister. We had planned a day away, but it was so needed after the events that happened Saturday evening.

We drove to Oval Beach and walked out onto the ice. Braxton was so amazed by the scenery.

The sun was shining, it was in the 40’s and I had great company surrounding me to take my mind off of the tragedy.

As a parent, every time you hear of a shooting, you cringe. You get even more protective of your child(ren) and spouse, and you can’t help but hold onto them a little longer and a little tighter.

It helped knowing that we were far away from Kalamazoo in that moment as we stared off into the distance. I know that tragedy can occur anywhere and at any time, but for that moment, I wanted to imagine that we were untouchable.

Braxton kept pointing off into the distance at the moving ice and water. He was so transfixed on all of what Michigan’s beauty had to offer.

We hung out down by the water for about a half hour before I fell into the water–just a little bit, thank goodness for Muck boots. We headed back up to our car and met Carrie, Ashley and my best friend since middle school.

We headed into downtown to meet my Step-Mom for breakfast and a morning of shooting pictures and educating myself about Spice Merchants.

We ate breakfast at a little restaurant and we spoke briefly of the shooting in Kalamazoo. We were just so happy that our loved ones were safe, but still had a huge sadness weighing on us knowing that others weren’t as fortunate.

The morning and afternoon spent with some of my loved ones was the perfect start of a sad day.

Sunday, I was grateful for a few hours of peace and family time. A day of gratitude!

I’ve found over the years that when tragedy strikes, it’s important to be there for your loved ones as much as possible. More importantly it’s a haunting reminder that we should hold our loved ones close-every day, not just when tragedy strikes in our backyards. Tragedy can strike at anytime and anyplace. It doesn’t discriminate. Hold your loved ones close every night. Don’t go to sleep angry at your spouse. Don’t hold grudges. Tell your loved ones each and every day that you love them, because sadly, we don’t know when it might be the last time they hear those words.

Take comfort in knowing that God has bigger plans for those that lost their lives. He does not condone violence, and he certainly doesn’t make the suffering suffer more. He pulls them into him, comforts them and loves them.

God does hear the cries of those who suffer in the aftermath of this devastating tragedy. The Lord God is close to the brokenhearted, to those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 59:16).

As for this Monday morning, I will pray a little prayer for Kalamazoo. My heart aches and my mind keeps thinking of the victims and their families. I pray they find comfort and so much love from those around them.

“In this world you will have trouble, but TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world!-John 16:33

This morning I woke up to hear that Kalamazoo was in the headlines, but for all of the wrong reasons. My hometown had come under attack the prior night and 6 souls lost their lives.

My heart sank.

Why did this happen? I’m still having a difficult time wrapping my head around the events that transpired as I played with my little boy in the safety of our home as the events unfolded.

Kalamazoo is where I grew up. Kalamazoo is where I will be raising my son.

Last evening, loved ones were lost and Kalamazoo lost its breath. It’s still trying to get it back.

I wish we could all have the answers we are seeking? Why him? Why her? Why Saturday? Why Kalamazoo? What were the motive(s) behind his rampage? Why why why?! We may never have all of the questions answered, but one thing is for sure.

Kalamazoo will rise up. This will not define Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo will remain united. Kalamazoo will surface stronger than ever.

As a mother, I cannot fathom how the parents of the 14 and 18 year old are feeling in this moment. My heart aches for them.

I held my son a little tighter this evening. I held him a little longer, and I didn’t want to let go.

I don’t want him to see the fear I try hard to hide behind my heavy heart. I fear for his safety daily, but now I fear for it more than ever. Violence found its way into my hometown. Right into my backyard.

I pray that God eases the pain all those affected by this tragedy are facing this evening. I pray he lifts them up, comforting them. I pray for those who lost their lives that they are welcomed into Heaven with open arms.

Are you stuck in a relationship that just isn’t right, but you aren’t willing to risk ending it because you’ve convinced yourself that the person can change? Maybe you’re taking on some of the blame of the relationship not being ideal or maybe you have a fear of being alone or starting over.

Maybe the relationships is mediocre, at best, but it’s lacking the luster or spark you had dreamed a relationship would include when you were younger.

Maybe you even know that you’re settling and that you deserve better, but your emotions are conflicted. These emotions may deter you from breaking the relationship off, because you somehow convince yourself that you won’t find someone else to put up with your flaws or that you’re terrified of being alone for a long time. Maybe it’s easier to be in a mediocre relationship than it is to “divorce” the person you’re with because it’ll get complicated when someone has to find a new place to live or discuss joint parenting rights to your sweet dog that you purchased as a couple.

Realistically what is all comes down to is your irrational fear of starting over and being alone. More often than not, this fear will cause people to settle in a relationship rather than pursuing something better. Those who are fearful of being alone will choose to stay in stagnant relationships rather than face being alone.

No one should have to settle for less than they deserve in a relationship. Everyone deserves to be ridiculously happy in a relationship. There is no argument that every relationship will be tested and that they won’t always be so glamorous, but if there is happiness, the relationship is ideal. Everyone’s reasoning behind settling is different, but it’s safe to argue that past relationships have a lot to do with the outcome of future relationships. For instance, if you were used to be rejected and you finally find someone who doesn’t reject you, it can be terrifying leaving that all behind just to possibly face rejection all over again.

Of all of the difficult experiences people face in life, being alone can be one of the hardest. Today, our generation doesn’t know how to be alone and aren’t happy when they are. Most people fear being alone and will avoid it at all costs which lead to these superficial relationships that clearly only exist because of your fear of being alone. Most people are more in love with the concept of a great relationship than the person they’re in the relationship with.

Unfortunately couples will confess to being in relationships that they even know they shouldn’t be in but they rationalize why they remain in them. For instance, they may argue that “she takes care of me, she’s faithful and cooks me meals every night” or “he massages my feet after a long day in the office” and such statements only exist because they’re defending the relationship that they know very well they shouldn’t be in.

Whatever the real reason is or even the superficial one is that you tell yourself, there are signs that you are indeed settling for less than what you deserve in a relationship:

You find that you have become a different person because of your significant other. You’ve lost touch with your goals, dreams and values, and you’re sense of self is no longer existent. You also realize that you’re the only one who had made changes, and you’re significant other hasn’t done anything to change them-self to make the relationship more cohesive.

The relationship has done nothing but bring you done and your significant other doesn’t inspire you or push you to be a better person. They may also be very judgmental of you and criticize you. They just don’t support you anymore.

You find that you’re actually in a very emotionally or maybe even physically abusive relationship. You realize that you’ve been keeping this part of your relationship private from your friends or family and even find that you’re coming up with excuses for your significant other.

You suspect that he/she is cheating on you or he/she is cheating on you, but they either deny it or apologize profusely and you believe or forgive them.

You’ve sacrificed too much. You’ve changed who you are to make your significant other happy but have lost your true self in the process.

You tell yourself that if you stick it out, they’ll eventually change. If you have been in a relationship for a while and the individual hasn’t changed even after multiple attempts of asking them to change, they probably aren’t going to change.

You’re comfortable in your relationship, and you tell yourself that you just don’t want to start over. Most of us have been in a relationship like this, and the level of comfort makes it harder to get out.

You’re only staying in the relationship because the sex is great. Sadly individuals will prolong the inevitable demise of their relationship because they enjoy the sex too much. What they don’t realize or choose not to accept is that there will be other individuals that match up or are better than their previous partner in bed.

You tell yourself that you’re too committed because you’re either engaged or married. It’s never too late to be happy. Don’t let the fear of a broken engagement or divorce deter you from being happy.

You refuse to see your partner with someone else. The thought of them wrapped in someone else’s arms terrify you, but you aren’t happy in their arms, so don’t let that stop you. You’ll realize why it didn’t work out with them when you’re happy in someone else’s arms.

There are several more reason’s why individuals settle in a relationship, but the easiest way to know if you’re settling is by asking yourself if you’re unhappy in your relationship. You may argue that your partner is the ideal partner for anyone, but they may not truly be the right person for you. It’s important to truly understand if you’re compatible with your partner. You may realize that you’re better off as being friends.

We understand that it’s not easy to confront an issue like this and really question your relationship and marriage. It’s difficult to imagine that your unhappiness may result in an unhappy ending. By confronting the issue, it can at least give yourself, as well as your partner, a chance to seek true happiness.

This confrontation you have with your partner may actually help your relationship, or it may end it and force you both to start a new life with new hopes, new dreams and with someone else.

If you’re settling, it’s better to realize it now and give yourself a shot at finding happiness.

**I recently wrote a post on What Women Want on Valentine’s Day (& Every Other Day), so it was only fair to write one on What Men Want on Valentine’s Day (& Every Other Day) as well. Enjoy!

Whether you’re married or just dating, there are some things that most men want for Valentine’s Day or any other day for that matter. These things shouldn’t be reserved only for Valentine’s Day, and it’s important to practice these things several times throughout the year! Happy husband means happy wife, or something like that, right!?

A Night Out

Contrary to popular belief, one of the things men miss most about bachelorhood isn’t the notion of chasing after women, but it’s the opportunity to kick back with their guy friends and throw back a few cold ones. You can help fill that gap of a night out by allowing your man to pick out a place to grab some hot wings and beer once a month with him!

You can also give him a night out with his buddies. If there is a big game on, and his friends are dying to hang out, let him go out for the night! He will appreciate the man time and be more prone to give you “girl time” when you ask for it. It’s a fair trade-off.

An Outfit Worn Specifically for Him

It doesn’t need to be an over-the-top librarian outfit or barely-there leather bodysuit, but try to surprise your man with some classy lingerie. Light some candles and play some some romantic music to help the set the mood. He will totally dig it, and the sex will be that much more fun also!

Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

We all make mistakes, so what better gift to give your man than one night of amnesty. I’m not saying that you should give your man a “hall-pass”, but let him present his get-out-of-free-jail card one night when he moderately screws up like when he drinks too much and is worthless the next day. 🙂

Fantasy Sex

Though this may take some serious brain-storming, engaging in your man’s idea of ‘fantasy sex’ will make his night. Maybe he’s into strawberries and whipped cream or ties and hand-cuffs? Maybe he likes erotic movies? Give him a night where you play by his rules and actively participate in his fantasies!

*Do this within reason. Don’t do anything too crazy, but crazy enough to make it memorable!

Booze

Most men indulge in the occasional alcoholic beverage, so try surprising him with a variety pack of different beers. Grab a few style beers you know that he drinks normally, and then throw in a few that you don’t think he has tried before. It’s thoughtful, and he’ll be intrigued with the different variety of beer that you picked out.

Video Game Night

When you’re married and children are involved, it can be hard for your man to unwind with his favorite video game. Give him a video game night where you get the kids ready for bed and take care of some of the chores he’d usually do. He’ll appreciate the time to himself, and he will be more willing to give you time for yourself each week as well.

A Day off Work

Give your man a day off work. Let him play hooky and do whatever he wants for one day (within reason), and don’t ask him to do anything. He will most likely sleep in, drink beer instead of coffee in the morning, watch TV and play video games. AND, He will love every damn minute of it.

Home-Cooked Meal

Men love coming home to a home-cooked meal, especially when steak is involved. Once a month indulge in a really high quality and expensive steak. Grill it up and serve with some of your man’s favorite side dishes. This will make his night and give him a happy full belly.

Tickets to the Big Game

It’d be one hell of a surprise if you grab him tickets to see his favorite sports team in action. Whether you grab tickets for two or a few so he can take his buddies, he will be so grateful for the opportunity to get out and cheer on his favorite team!

Just like women, men want to feel loved and appreciated it. By doing some of these things monthly for them, they’re sure to feel the love. Plus, all of the great things you’re doing for them will be reciprocated!

What do women really want on Valentine’s Day? Is it the cliche of receiving flowers and chocolates? Is it a nice dinner out paired with a movie? Is it jewelry?

It may come as a surprise that most women in serious relationships, especially those that are married seek something very different than those in less serious relationships.

Here are some things women actually desire on Valentine’s Day and every other day. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be used as a way to make your significant other feel special for a day.Make them feel special every day of the week.

Women want to spend time with you:

This seems simple enough, right? It’s an easy and a relatively small request, but when you’re married, work full-time jobs and have children, finding time to spend strictly with your significant other is hard. Don’t find time to spend with your significant other strictly around holidays or special occasion, rather plan a date night once a week or month that you stick to. Women want to spend time with you, not just when “you should” make time like on Valentine’s Day.

Women want you to put your phone down:

Women hate when you’re not paying attention to them, and oftentimes the culprit behind that is your phone. Life is busy, and with the technology linked to smartphones you are constantly being drawn into them. Whether you’re checking text messages or checking your emails, ultimately that’s taking time away that should be spent with your significant other. Don’t think they don’t notice it.

Women want you to NOT let yourself go:

Just because you say “I do” and are involved in a long-term serious relationship does not mean you can let yourself go. Get to the gym and eat good. Don’t get too comfortable with your significant other to think it’s ‘fair game’ to let yourself go.

Women want to be desired by you:

It’s important to make your significant other understand that you want to have sex with them OTHER than for the mere fact that they’re there and that they’re your only option. Women think of desire in that you put effort into seducing them because you want her badly. You’re attracted to her, and you want her because she’s yours and only yours and that makes you damn happy. Think about when you first starting dating and how you couldn’t keep your hands off of them. THAT’S what she wants.

Women want you to talk to them with Nonverbal Communication

Don’t just use words when communicating with your spouse, use actions and body language to show that you’re interested in them in a way that is both meaningful and evident. Nonverbal communication speaks volumes. Try sitting down with your spouse and actively engaging in conversation by making eye-contact, nodding your head, by placing your phone in another room and taking in what she has to say intently. Chicks dig it when they have your full attention.

If your spouse is folding laundry or doing the dishes, try helping her with those tasks. It’s those little things that mean a whole lot to women.

Women want a honest man:

If a woman asks you a question, she really wants an honest answer. Be kind when answering them, but understand that they’re seeking your honest input. As a woman, I want my spouse to answer my question honestly for several reasons. For one, I can tell when he is lying, so do me the courtesy of being honest. Secondly, I value your insight and whether it’s an answer that may not sit well with me or not, I still want to hear it. Lastly, there is nothing more attractive to me than an honest man.

Women like the public declaration of love:

For some women, public declaration of love is expected to be huge like a public engagement in front of her closest friends and family. For others, it’s smaller like receiving flowers at the office for no reason at all. Money doesn’t even need to be involved for others because some women want you to just hold their hand and kiss them public. There is nothing sexier than a man who shows his affection for his partner in public.

Women want to know that you love them and think of them:

Be specific when telling your partner the reasons why you appreciate or love them. Instead of sending a text that simply reads, “Miss you!” or “I love you!”, try sending her a text like, “I’m thinking of you, and I hope that you’re having a great day!” That is much more meaningful. Many men think of their significant other in a sexual way or are reminded of a memory that really impacted them positively from a while ago. Share that with your spouse.

Women want to know that you are a better person because they are in your Life:

Tell your spouse how she has impacted you in a positive way. Whether she has encouraged you to eat healthier and work out and you have seen amazing results or whether she has encouraged you to save money better and because of that, the account has more money in it than every before. She wants to know that because of something she said or did, it has helped you to be a better person.

Women want you to get close to them even when Sex is NOT involved in the moment:

Make it a point to interact with your spouse in a romantic way other than sex. This could simply be to hug your spouse when you see them or give them a slight smack on the butt. Have fun with it! It could also be reminiscing about the old days or having special words of endearment for each other. Try sitting on the couch and cuddle up nice and close to them. Those are little ways of being romantic and getting close to your spouse other than when sex is involved. Make it a point to do some of these things every day.

Women want you to Always choose them over Others:

Always pick your spouse over others. There will be times when your relationship may be tested by others. Your spouse wants to know that when push came to shove, you would take their side over someone else’s even when it involves their family or friends. This helps solidify the relationship, and when you support your spouse and love them, the feelings are easily reciprocated. It’s important that you two are a team and that you support each other especially when you’re married and have children together. Your children should see how supportive and loving you are to each other.

Women want you to be vulnerable:

Your significant other wants to know that you’re human and that you’re comfortable sharing your vulnerability. Women are more likely to open up and share with you their deepest darkest fears, insecurities and issues she is dealing with, but if you’re less likely to be open with them, it’ll make them feel over-exposed. They’ll be more likely to share less and be more reserved because of the way you are with them. Women are nurturers by nature, so they want to help out their significant other. Let them. They want to positively impact you and let you know that they are there for you through thick and thin. Don’t act like you’re immune to all emotions.

Women want their spouse to show and express their love and admiration daily. It can be through small gestures, but it’s just enough to give them all the feels. Don’t rely on Valentine’s Day or other ‘hallmark holidays’ or special occasions to express your love for them. Do it daily. You will see exponential positive results of doing these things in your relationship.